Jean Painleve - Les Pieds dans L'eau

Photographer and filmmaker Jean Painleve (1902-1989) dedicated his life to investigating and documenting fauna, especially the underwater world. Over a period of 60 years, he shot more than 200 short films, distinguished by the descriptiveness of the motifs and his approach, which was both meticulous and experimental. Painleve's observations are extraordinary; his shots, sometimes surreal, sometimes humorous, provide insight into the curious world of octopuses, seahorses, and sea urchins, making us aware of the fragility of various ecosystems. This publication appears in conjunction with an exhibition on his work by Pia Viewing, curator at the Jeu de Paume in Paris.